The issue of homelessness in the United States has reached a critical point, with the number of individuals without housing hitting a record high in 2024. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual report, over 770,000 people were living without shelter on a single night in January, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. This surge in homelessness has been attributed in part to the influx of migrants entering the country illegally and seeking refuge in sanctuary cities.
However, recent data suggests that the migrant situation has stabilized, with cities like Chicago and Denver announcing an end to their migrant shelter systems. Despite this development, the need for affordable housing remains a pressing issue, as the National Alliance to End Homelessness points to a shortage of 7.3 million units of affordable rental homes in the country.
HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing homelessness and ensuring access to affordable, safe, and quality housing for all Americans. While the data in the report may be outdated, Todman stressed the importance of evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness has called for increased resources to rehouse individuals without homes and assist those struggling to afford rising rents. CEO Ann Oliva highlighted the 8% reduction in veteran homelessness as a model for addressing overall homelessness, advocating for increased federal funding for housing programs and homelessness prevention initiatives.
Devon Kurtz, Public Safety Policy Director at the Cicero Institute, pointed out that the homelessness crisis is not solely an economic issue but also intersects with health and public safety concerns, particularly for the unsheltered homeless population. Factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and involvement with the criminal justice system contribute to the ongoing cycle of homelessness.
California, which has the highest homeless population in the U.S., is taking steps to address the issue through initiatives like Prop. 36, which aims to provide treatment options for individuals with drug-related offenses instead of incarceration. With a holistic approach that addresses the multifaceted drivers of homelessness, policymakers can work towards sustainable solutions to this pressing social issue.
